Which car to trade in?

PhillySteak9

I am looking to upgrade one of the cars in our house - not entirely fussed which. Will probably go new car via PCP. But I am not sure which one to trade in.

1) 2011 Honda Accord, 2.2 Diesel, 290,000km - Generally good nick. Have replaced alternator and rear shocks in last year

2) 2015 Nissan Pulsar, 1.5 Diesel, 130,000km - Turbo has recently been replaced on this with a reconditioned one at a cost of €1000.

I brought the Honda to one dealer, and was offered €2,500 & then €3,000

Haven't brought the Nissan to a dealer yet, but I would estimate €7,000 to €8,000.

The question is would I be better to take the higher trade in and drive the Honda until it won't go any further, or would I be better to hold on to the Pulsar for say three more years on the basis that it is newer, lower mileage, and less likely to give trouble?

colm_mcm

Do you have any strong feelings about having to drive the Nissan instead of the Honda, for example?

bazz26

I think you would get a bit more for the Accord by selling it privately than what the dealer is offering for it as a trade-in.

PhillySteak9

Thanks for your comments.

@colm_mcm I'm not really fussed about which I drive - will probably do any long trips in the new car. Otherwise it's 20km commute to work and tipping around with the family. Either car would suit me fine for that.

@Bazz I probably would, but there are a few cosmetic issues (including dog chewed bumpers 🤣 and some dings), which would probably need to be fixed before selling privately, so to be honest, I think it will be less hassle to trade it in. If I could get the dealer up to €3,500 I think that wouldn't be too bad, as I think the absolute ceiling I'd get for a private sale would be €5,000 and this would be after fixing these issues, which would have to cost in the region of €1000.

Anyone else have any thoughts on whether it's better to trade in the 7 year old car or the 11 year old one?

colm_mcm

Much as I prefer an Accord, I’d probably keep the Pulsar.

standardg60

No brainer for me, surely it's better to maximise the initial deposit on the new car.

The Nissan will also depreciate faster whereas the Honda will bottom out in the next couple of years.

Assuming you've had the Honda for a good few years now with no major issues there is no reason to believe it will just because it's getting older, eleven years is nothing.

PhillySteak9

Thanks all. Am probably going to trade in the Accord, but will shop it round a few more garages to see if I can get a better price.

Widdensushi

The tax on the accord is high iirc?